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The spines of an echidna are for defence. They are quite sharp, and deter many predators except for snakes. When threatened, an echidna will dig quickly, disappearing horizontally into the ground, with only its spines showing, until it has dug itself in completely.
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∙ 14y ago
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∙ 14y agoEchidnas have a spiny coat because if they see one of their predators they can roll up into a ball so only their spines are showing and not get hurt.
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∙ 12y agoThe echidna's spines are used for defence. Very few other animal species will attempt to eat an echidna because of its sharp spines.
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∙ 10y agoThe echidna's spines are made of modified hairs composed of the same material that makes up fingernails.
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∙ 13y agoEchidnas' spines are sharp and pointed, and provide an effective defence against creatures that try to attack them. The spines are not venomous.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoThese "spikes" are actually called spines, and they are primarily for defence.
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What are all over an echidna's body?
An echidna's body is covered with spikes, or spines. These spines are not poisonous, but they are sharp and offer the echidna protection from predators.
Does the female echidna have sharp spines?
Yes. Both the male and female echidna have equally sharp spines.
How long do the echidna's spikes get?
The correct name for the echidna's spikes is 'spines'. The echidna's spines grow up to 50 mm (5 cm) in length.
What is another name for the echidna's spikes?
The echidna's spikes are called spines.
What is the name of the echidna's spines starting with the letter q?
Echidna spines are usually only known as spines. The word "quills", which is probably supposed to be the answer, is more properly applied to porcupines.
Are echidnas spikes also called spikes?
The echidna's spikes are called spines. These spines are primarily for defence against predators. When threatened by danger, the echidna will rapidly burrow horizontally into the soil, leaving only its spines exposed as it digs, and thereby protecting its vulnerable underbelly. The echidna can also raise its spines to create a more formidable protection against being bitten by predators. They also serve the function of enabling the echidna to wedge itself into small spaces, such as between rocks or tree roots.
Where does the echidna have its fur?
The echidna has fur all over its body, except for its snout. The echidna's spines grow out of its fur.
What animal with spines lays eggs?
The echidna is an animal which lays eggs. The echidna is covered in spines. Like platypuses, echidnas are monotremes, or egg-laying mammals.
How many legs does an echidna have?
Echidnas have a tiny mouth and a toothless jaw.
What are the things on the echidna's back called?
The echidna has numerous sharp spines on its back. These are for defence purposes.
Does an echidna have fur?
Yes. While many people believe echidnas only have spines, they are actually covered with a very thick layer of coarse hair. The sharp spines grown throughout the coarse hair.
What is the synonym for echidna 'spines'?
Spiny Anteater is another name for the echidna. However, echidnas are not related to anteaters at all, despite the name. Echidnas are monotremes, or egg-laying mammals, while anteaters a placental mammals. Echidnas have sharp spines, hence the name 'spiny' and they feed primarily on termites, as well as ants.
